Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo Dies After Collapse

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, has reportedly passed away. Sources say the deputy governor died on Thursday at an undisclosed hospital at the age of 60. Neither the Bayelsa State Government nor his family has provided details regarding the circumstances of his death. Reports indicate that Ewhrudjakpo collapsed on Thursday and was immediately taken to the hospital. Born on September 5, 1965, Ewhrudjakpo was a former federal lawmaker and had served as Bayelsa State’s Deputy Governor since 2020.

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Bayelsa Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo Collapses, Rushed To Hospital

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was rushed to the hospital on Thursday after collapsing at the Government House in Yenagoa. The exact cause of his collapse is still unclear, but sources described the situation as serious. He was reportedly taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, for urgent medical attention. Efforts to confirm the incident directly with the hospital were unsuccessful, as the Public Relations Officer, Ben Akpedi, did not respond to calls. Ewhrudjakpo’s media aide, Doubara Atasi, confirmed the development but declined to provide further details, responding only with “Yes” before ending the call.

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Bayelsa Police Investigate Missing 24-Year-Old NYSC Corps Member

The Bayelsa State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has launched an investigation into the disappearance of 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Levi Anyanwu (NYSC registration BYS/25A/0244). According to Punch Metro, Anyanwu, whose primary assignment is at the Ijaw National Academy in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, went missing on October 8, 2025. The state’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit has been tasked with uncovering the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. In a statement released on Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer Musa Mohammed said Anyanwu was initially believed to be with fellow Jehovah’s Witness worshippers, Mr. and Mrs. Wisdom George. The couple confirmed he had been with them but left afterward. Detectives further questioned Anyanwu’s roommate, Mr. Oke Emmanuel, who confirmed that the missing corps member had been with the George family until October 6. The police learned that Anyanwu had complained of illness and was treated at Kaiama Referral Hospital on October 4, being discharged on October 5, before disappearing to an unknown location the following day. The police are also investigating a separate allegation involving the extortion of N100,000 from Anyanwu’s parents by two inmates at Igbara Correctional Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, who posed as kidnappers. The corps member’s phone, left in his apartment, was linked to a GSM call traced to an inmate at the prison. According to investigators, the inmate exploited the father by requesting money to an account belonging to Atinuke Oluwalose, an associate of the detainee. Authorities noted that certain personal and religious considerations may have influenced Anyanwu’s actions, but stressed that preliminary findings indicate no actual kidnapping occurred. The police confirmed that law enforcement efforts are ongoing to bring clarity to the matter and ensure a proper resolution of the case.

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Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Officially Defects To APC

Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Officially Defects To APC

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending weeks of speculation about his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The atmosphere in Yenagoa, the state capital, was electric on Monday as thousands of APC supporters and loyalists of the governor gathered to celebrate his entry into the ruling party. Supporters from all eight local government areas flooded the streets, chanting solidarity songs and waving party flags despite the early morning rain. By 10 a.m., the 5,000-capacity Samson Siasia Stadium was filled to the brim, forcing security personnel to halt further entry to prevent overcrowding. Diri’s defection marks a major political realignment in Bayelsa State, as the governor formally renounced his membership of the PDP, which he left two weeks ago after months of internal party tension. Several high-profile politicians and government officials were present to welcome him into the APC, including Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, and Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh. The event was described by party leaders as “a new dawn for Bayelsa,” signaling the APC’s growing influence in the South-South region ahead of the next election cycle.

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Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri and 22 Lawmakers Leave PDP

Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri and 22 Lawmakers Leave PDP

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Vanguard reports. The resignation also includes the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and 22 other lawmakers, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. Governor Diri’s departure comes just a day after his Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). At the time of reporting, Governor Diri has not disclosed his next political move.  

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Bayelsa Government Condemns Shooting at Political Rally Linked to Wike Loyalists

Bayelsa Government Condemns Shooting at Political Rally Linked to Wike Loyalists

The Bayelsa State Government has expressed strong dismay over the shooting incident that occurred during a political rally organized on Saturday by the NEW Associates, a group allegedly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike. In a statement issued Saturday night by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Obiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the government called on the Inspector-General of Police and the state police authorities to immediately investigate and uncover those responsible for the violence. The government noted that the shooting appeared premeditated, especially as the rally’s organizers had previously warned that “the good, the bad, and the ugly” would attend the event. It questioned why a gathering expected to be peaceful turned violent, leaving several individuals reportedly injured. The statement urged law enforcement agencies to launch a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice. Highlighting that the rally violated electoral guidelines set by the Electoral Act and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the government also pointed out that the event was held at the camp ground of a religious organization. It warned political groups against dragging religious institutions into partisan politics and desecrating sacred places of worship, stressing that any religious organization found breaching the law would face sanctions. The government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and protecting the lives and property of all residents in Bayelsa State.

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